I have been silent for some months, not because I've not been writing, but because I haven't been finishing. I realise this is an issue for many writers - dare I call myself one - but I also realise in the relatively fast paced world of blogging, you just have to overcome the tendency to want each post to be perfect and commit to finishing and posting.
So this one will be a relatively short and unedited one - rest assured though that it comes straight from the heart. No fact checks necessary, no cross-references, source quotes - just me and my words.
I wanted to start 2014 on a happy note so I resolved to post about turning 40 towards the end of 2013 and deciding that this year will simply be about happiness. I think I'm one of those people who constantly search their soul - much as I hate to admit it, I think it stems from being extremely judgemental of others, and being reminded of a wise friend who once asked me (with good reason) who I thought I was to be judging others so harshly. So I ask the question of myself constantly - who am I to judge? What lessons have I learned in life? What am I 'bringing to the table'?
I recall last year thinking that I wanted to be a "Girl on Fire" - to do more, achieve more, be the best of who I could be. I think I did a pretty good job, I got more involved in charity work than I'd been for a while. I tried to work harder and write more and focus on ticking off the thousand and one things on my to-do list. It was a fast-paced year, to say the least. But now I'm ready to slow down.
I'd like to think that reaching my fourth decade on this earth gave me a little perspective. I realise that life is so much simpler than many of us realise. We have the ultimate power to choose how we want to go about it - and I believe the greatest gift we can give ourselves is to make a choice to be happy. If that sounds a little too simplistic....it's because it is. Whatever life throws at you, as hard as it can be oftentimes, whatever disappointments you face, ultimately you get to decide how you're going to deal with it.
So I choose "Happy". And my happy is less about posting inspirational quotes on my various social network profiles and more about making a concerted effort to just be that....happy! To judge less, expect less and be pleasantly surprised when I receive more....to realise that no matter what life throws at me I have the power to decide how I am going to let it affect me.
I love life! I am grateful for life! I cherish my family and my friends! I love what I do to make a living! Even with all my failings, my mistakes, my perceived disasters..I would not have my life any other way. I am on this earth and alive.....I have decided that I will happy with my choices, with my trials and with my triumphs!! Now excuse me for a few minutes while I get down to my new musical anthem.
2 comments:
Well written. you have made the two points I've strived to live by over the past few years. It comes with age I reckon. For some, sooner than others. In my case, it took circumstances I could never change to accept that, whatever you are dealt with, make the most of it, realy make the most of it, and you might just surprise yourself. It's either that or you can make a single misfortune take away all your fortunes. I can truly say, that although I still don't have everything I could ever wish for, it feels like I have, because, right now, I am determined not to let anything take away my happiness. Lovely words as usual from you. Enjoy your 4th decade! Paricia
Thank you for your lovely comment and inspirational approach to life. It's a shame more of us don't realise that we, ourselves get to determine how we approach life. As you say life is going to deal you some blows but it's all about how you approach those blows. Learn and keep moving on or feel defeated.
I am definitely looking forward to my fourth decade!!
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